GILES COUNTY (WSLS 10) - In Giles County, more than $85,000 was raised at Saturday's inaugural Muddy ACCE Race.
Before the first wave of runners took off from the Caboose at the Glen Lyn Town Park, sponsors and in-kind donations topped $76,000.
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The Muddy ACCE Race was developed as the flagship fundraiser for the Giles County ACCE Program. Through New River Community College, graduating students from public, private, or homeschool are being provided tuition free education for two years. The Access to Community College Education (ACCE) program will be entering its third year in Giles, with the first batch of students completing their involvement. For one-third of students from Giles this has been a stepping stone for their education and lives.
The majority of the course volunteers for the Muddy ACCE Race were the program students who proudly wore "You are running the run for me" t-shirts.
About 500 spectators enjoyed vendor row, a live DJ and food from the Farm Table, as well as a Youth Course for children under the age of 13.
Preliminary numbers show about 320 runners and an approximate total of $85,645 raised to continue the ACCE program in Giles.
Save the date for the 2nd Annual Event to be held Saturday, September 30, 2017.